Long Beach Opera taking on controversial ‘The Death of Klinghoffer’

James Robinson, artistic director of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, which produced "The Death of Klinghoffer" in 2011 (seen above), is also directing the Long Beach Operas production. Photo courtesy of Opera Company of St. Louis

The Death of Klinghoffer

Years after the first attempt to bring John Adams’ controversial and provocative opera to the area was canceled due to protests and calls of anti-Semitism, Long Beach Opera will present the long-awaited Southern California premiere of “The Death of Klinghoffer.”

The English-language opera by the respected composer, with libretto by Alice Goodman, comes to the Terrace Theater in Long Beach on Sunday and March 22. It’s based on the real-life hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in 1985 by Palestinian terrorists who killed Leon Klinghoffer, a disabled Jewish-American passenger.

“It starts out beautifully and serene. We’re hearing the different characters in the story giving their accounts of what happens, they’re going moment by moment as the piece starts to heat up. It’s a very compelling piece,” said Alex Richardson, an LBO veteran who returns to the Long Beach stage as Molqi, one of the four terrorists who take over the ship in hopes of forcing the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners serving time in Israeli prisons.

The Long Beach production will be conducted by Andreas Mitisek, LBO’s artistic and general director, and directed by James Robinson, artistic director of Opera Theatre of St. Louis, who staged a production of the opera there in 2011. It will feature an eight-person cast that includes several LBO veterans like Richardson, as well as Long Beach native and Cal State Long Beach graduate Jason Switzer, who returns to the city from his home in Philadelphia to take on the role of Mamoud, another one of the hijackers.

“I’m a huge fan of Adams’ music, a big fan of all of his operas,” he said. “I find the music (in ‘Klinghoffer’) to be glorious.”

The music in the two-act opera, which is anchored by powerful choruses, may be described as glorious, but because it deals with Middle East politics the opera has faced many hurdles since it was commissioned by several opera companies, including Los Angeles Opera, more than 20 years ago.

It premiered in Brussels in 1991 and had its U.S. debut later that year at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. A planned Los Angeles production was canceled after protesters criticized the opera as being pro-Palestinian and anti-Jewish. Excerpts from the opera were performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale at Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2009.

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Robinson’s 2011 production was the first time the opera was presented in the U.S. in a fully staged version since its American debut.

While the opera takes a frank look at a senseless murder, it also explores both sides of the story without trying to offer answers or resolve political conflicts.

“This opera really gives life and meaning to that conflict from both sides,” said Switzer. “I understand the controversy, I very much know where it’s coming from in that I’m Jewish, but what I love about what Adams has done is that he’s done such a good job of making all the characters human.”

Operas traditionally have not shied away from stories and characters dealing with tragedy and darker aspects of society, and while this work is considered one of the most controversial operas in recent times, it also provides an important way to explore a tragic event, other cast members said.

“I think art, and in this case opera, can reach into the depth of a certain tragedy and try to maybe not answer any questions, maybe not make a statement, but open up the possibility of viewing the events that occurred in a way each individual can interpret in their own way,” said Lee Gregory, who takes on the role of the Captain in the Long Beach production.

“I hope (the audience) leaves with something to ponder and maybe something that changes their view of the world or themselves,” he said. “I think this opera can do that. It’s more than just entertainment.”

About the Author

Richard Guzman covers Arts and Entertainment for the Long Beach Press-Telegram, where he writes about art, theater, music and food. He is a graduate of CSU Northridge with a degree in journalism. Richard grew up in Los Angeles and has written about food, pop culture and art in the area. He has two young children and in his spare time enjoys riding his motorcycle and hiking. Reach the author at Richard.Guzman@presstelegram.com
or follow Richard on Twitter: @Richword.